Post last updated at 5:01 p.m. Tuesday, June 24:
Patrick Schmitz, CEO of Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center, has resigned from his position, the center announced in a news release Tuesday morning.
The center’s governing board appointed Dr. Kirsten Watkins as the interim CEO the same day, according to a second news release Tuesday afternoon.
Schmitz had held the CEO role since mid-2017. The release did not provide a specific reason for his departure.
Matthew Herbert, board chair, said in the release that the board wanted to thank Schmitz for his many years of service.
“We also appreciate that his decision to resign allows us to act swiftly to address our financial crisis,” Herbert said in the release.
The center has recently laid people off and made salary cuts to mitigate a projected multimillion-dollar deficit.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for the people who care about and rely on the Center,” Herbert said in the release. “The future of BNC is at the front of every Governing Board discussion and decision. We appreciate the incredible dedication and service of BNC staff and are confident that we will create a bright future when we work together.”
Watkins joined Bert Nash in August 2021 and brings 20 years of experience in mental health care, according to the afternoon update.
“As a licensed clinical psychologist, she has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families navigating behavioral health challenges,” according to the release. “Her leadership comes at a time when the need for accessible, compassionate, and high-quality mental health care has never been more urgent.”
Watkins said in the release that she is confident in the center’s future.
“I care deeply about this organization and am honored to step into this interim position to help support our teams and our mission,” Watkins said in the release.
“In difficult times, it is important to pull together rather than pull apart,” she continued. “I’m hopeful that our staff and our community will continue to coordinate, communicate, and pull together in order to continue the essential mission of a community mental health center.”
Herbert said that “the road ahead will not be easy.”
“The Center is navigating ongoing challenges, but remains grounded in its commitment to clients, families, and the broader Douglas County community,” he said in the release.
The center’s board will begin a formal search for a permanent CEO “in the coming months,” according to the release.
Read more about the recent issues at Bert Nash in the articles linked below.
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Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
